Marcy Alton   It happened the first time I met Marcy Alton. Arrows of kindness arced from her like healing medicine. Her fellow employees said, "When Marcy enters a room the light goes up."

   At Riverside Methodist Hospital in the 1980's & '90s Marcy demonstrated how ordinary could become extraordinary. After Mark Evans, the finest Human Resources leader in the country, assigned her to the employee recognition event it quickly became a fun & inspiring celebration that genuinely honored caregivers. After she helped establish an on-campus employee convenience center, that service became part of the loving culture that lifted Riverside to rank in America's top 10 best places to work. 

   Marcy did not cure patients with prescriptions. She healed with her presence.

   When you enter a room does the "light" go up or down? Do others feel pleased or afraid? Confident or unsure? Loving or fearful? 

   The light dimmed when I learned of Marcy's recent death. It will soon rise again for those who knew her. Those arrows of joy she sent out made a permanent impact on thousands.

   Thank you, dear Marcy, for leaving a legacy of Radical Loving Care.

 -Erie Chapman, President Emeritus, Riverside Methodist Hospital

Note: Thanks to Joe Forquer for helping track down a picture of Marcy.

www.eriechapmanfoundation.net   

14 responses to “Days 13-17 – One Who Raised The Light”

  1. Todd Meador Avatar
    Todd Meador

    What a beautiful tribute Erie.
    Marcey sounds like one of the finest examples of RLC leaders. Thanks for describing who she was so that we can model her light.

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  2. LaJuana Dotson Avatar
    LaJuana Dotson

    Beautiful tribute ❣️
    So fitting.
    I had the pleasure of getting to know Marcy at Riverside as well.
    Beauty and Grace
    πŸ™

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  3. Teresa Reynolds Avatar
    Teresa Reynolds

    What a gift to her living memory.

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  4. ~liz Wessel Avatar

    We all hope that at the end of our lives that in some way we made a difference in this world. It is clear to see that Marcy’s creativity, kindness and loved touched peoples lives in such an expansive way. Sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues and I thank you Erie for sharing her beautiful light with us.

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  5. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar

    Thank you, Liz. Your legacy is writing itself every day in the hearts . of so man. You are a blessing of light.

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  6. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar

    Thank you, Teresa, for reminding . us that the memory of her is alive.

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  7. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar

    Thanks so much for posting this lovely comment, Lajuana.

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  8. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar

    What a lovely and powerful comment, Todd. Yes, she is one who taught heavily by just being who she was.

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  9. Joe Forquer Avatar
    Joe Forquer

    Thank you so much Erie for a beautiful tribute. Marcy was truly a one of a kind special person, whose laugh and love of life was contagious. She touched everyone in such a special way, from the Riverside Shopping trips, to the benefit fairs, to the holiday celebrations. She had a way of making you feel important and that you mattered. She taught me how to golf (I can now break 50 for nine holes because of her). She also taught me how important it is to recognize one another. I want to recognize Marcy for all that she gave each and every one of us. We all want to leave the world a better place that when we first got here and Marcy sure proved that. I am blessed to have known Marcy and will never forget all the treasures she has given us.

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  10. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar

    Just beautiful, Joe. Eloquent & loving – Just like YOU!

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  11. Sue Miller-Gillman Avatar
    Sue Miller-Gillman

    Marcy was always one of the special people I remember from my years at Riverside! Always sweet and smiling! I loved my 39 years at Riverside and knowing Marcy and many other special people, was what made all the difference!

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  12. Lori Essman Avatar
    Lori Essman

    Erie, so nice to reconnect with you and your inspiration after all these years!! Thank you for continuing to spread joy and illuminate good by your examples and writing. Marcy was so special and thank you for your tribute and for your eloquent summary, Joe F. I loved the picture and that is how I remember her. She was a thermostat…. she set the temperature of the space she occupied with others and set the bar high. It was an honor to know herπŸ’•

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  13. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar

    Double thanks to you, Sue- First for your kind comments about Marcy and second for your HUGE dedication to Riverside & to caring for others. I don’t know if any other CEO has thanked and honored you for your fantastic service but I would like to be one who publicly honors you for the gift of your light to so many.

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  14. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar

    WONDERFUL,Lori.Thank you so much for honoring Marcy (& your kind remarks about me.) YOU are one who has always spread light & love so beautifully. Yes, Marcy raised the warmth and YOU joined with her in raising the light. Deep gratitude to you.

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